Pappas says he regrets role in incident

NASHUA, N.H. — Nashua Police Commissioner Tom Pappas has resigned his position after helping a state representative who ran over and killed several ducks in December.

Pappas said in a letter to Gov. Maggie Hassan that he regrets his role in the incident.

“I deeply regret my part in the events of December 23, 2013, and apologize to you, the Nashua Police Department and the public for the disruption that has occurred as a consequence of them,” he said in the letter.

In December, state Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, ran over and killed several ducks outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Campbell left the scene before police arrived. Pappas later made a call to the police department, saying Campbell was a friend and asking if it was OK if he came in for questioning the next day.

Police agreed, but the Attorney General’s Office is investigating whether further action is needed.

“I am determined to move forward productively and positively by cooperating in any manner necessary with the investigation being conducted by the Attorney General’s Office,” Pappas said in his resignation letter.

Nashua Alderman Ken Siegel of Ward 9 said Pappas did the right thing.

“I just think he was trying to help a friend, and unfortunately he made a bad decision, and now he did the honorable thing and he resigned,” Siegel said.

Siegel said Campbell should do the same.

“Not only were his (Campbell’s) actions the instigation for all of this, but he’s brought a good man down,” Siegel said.

Witnesses claimed that Campbell was drunk, but charges weren’t filed. He later paid a fine.